- Smart is recalling over 18,000 electric vehicles in China due to potential battery thermal runaway risks.
- Affected Smart #1 and Smart #3 models will receive inspections or full battery replacements at no cost.
The Smart electric vehicle battery recall in China involves more than 18,000 units of the Smart #1 and Smart #3 models after regulators identified potential battery safety risks. The recall was filed with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and targets vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2023. The move highlights rising scrutiny across the electric vehicle sector as manufacturers face increasing pressure to maintain battery safety and reliability amid rapid EV adoption.
Scope of the Smart Electric Vehicle Battery Recall
The recall affects a total of 18,217 vehicles produced for the Chinese market, including 16,072 Smart #1 battery electric vehicles and 2,145 Smart #3 units. Authorities determined that certain high-voltage power battery components may have manufacturing consistency issues that could impact long-term performance. According to regulatory filings, the recall process will begin on March 17, 2026, with inspections and corrective measures planned for all vehicles within the affected production period.
Potential Battery Performance and Safety Risks
Investigations revealed that after extended use, the internal resistance of the affected power batteries may rise abnormally due to inconsistencies during manufacturing. This condition could reduce battery efficiency and, in rare circumstances, lead to thermal runaway events that present a fire hazard. Regulators warned that such scenarios may threaten driver and passenger safety if the battery overheating condition develops without early intervention.
Inspection, Diagnostics, and Battery Replacement Plan
To address the defect, Smart will conduct inspections or remote diagnostics for all vehicles included in the recall program. If abnormalities are detected, the company will replace the complete high-voltage battery assembly free of charge. In addition, the brand’s connected vehicle cloud platform will issue early warning notifications if battery overheating risks are detected. Owners are advised to safely stop the vehicle and move away immediately if dashboard alerts indicate potential battery overheating.
The recall also arrives amid wider quality scrutiny involving companies linked to the Geely group. Last month, the Zeekr brand recalled more than 38,000 electric vehicles due to similar thermal runaway concerns. The development followed a settlement between Geely subsidiary Vremt and battery supplier Sunwoda over product quality disputes, with the supplier agreeing to share the financial burden associated with replacing defective battery systems.
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